BLACKPINK, Lady Gaga and Drake? Barack Obama’s 2025 music list leaves fans stunned

No matter what Trump says, Barack Obama will always remain one of America's most favourite presidents. And if his work wasn't proof enough, his music taste has Americans falling in love with him all over again.

The 64-year-old former President recently took to X to continue a tradition he started during his time in the White House. Obama shared his annual list of favourites of the year on the social media platform. This included movies, books and songs.


While one might believe that there's no other reason for people to stay connected to Obama apart from his work for the country, he just gave everyone another reason to fall in love with him, his music taste.

Obama's annual list

In a post that has received 39.9M views and 433K likes, Obama wrote, "As 2025 comes to a close, I'm continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favourite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!"

Obama's favourite music in 2025

While his movie and book choices were also commendable, the real shocker in the former president's annual list was his music taste. From old legends to new icons, Obama listens to them all.

His list included 'Nice to Each Other' by Olivia Dean, 'Abracadabra' by Lady Gaga, 'Jump' by BLACKPINK, 'Ordinary' by Alex Warren, 'Nokia' by Drake and 'Luther' by Kendrick Lamar & SZA to mention some.

Other artists on his list were Rosalia, Travis Scott, Chappell Roan, Bruce Springsteen, The Beths and more.

Netizens react to Obama's music taste

Barack Obama is one man who gives everyone a reason to fangirl over him, be it a man or a woman. Considering music is an art that is loved by both, he impressed a huge number of netizens with his taste in songs. Especially the Gen-Z whose playlists feature the new artists, Obama listened to this year.

"Both Kendrick and Drake, ty Barack for doing your best to mend diplomatic relations even when not in office," quipped one X user.

"The concept of Obama queening out to abracadabra," wrote another happy X user.

"Obama dropping BLACKPINK, Chappell Roan, and Drake on the same list? Man's got range," commended one.

A huge number of social media users were shocked and impressed by the inclusion of K-pop band BLACKPINK in Obama's list. "I didn't expect a grown man, who just so happened to also be a president, jamming to K-pop.. I was thinking you'd be rocking to classic 70s while sipping a glass of wine" one pointed out.

"Singers end up getting a candid boost from this every year" a user claimed.

Obama's annual list reactions

It seems the tradition is truly something a lot of people align with and await every year.

Appreciating Obama's reading list, one user wrote, "I read “Heaven & Earth’s Grocery Store” off your list last year and it was great! Looking forward to picking another."

Another appreciated how the lists gave a sneak peek into the former President's year, writing, "love that you keep sharing these it’s like a peek into your personal soundtrack of the year"

While Obama included his wife Michelle's coffee table book 'The Look' in his list of books of the year, it was not at the top. "Bro - we have nothing in common politically, but we’re both men and you’re in big trouble - wife was not number one on your list? You’re in the dog house 100% ," wrote an X user.

Interesting or not, the list keeps Obama in the minds of his fans and followers. It keeps them hooked onto him as an inspirational figure, one whose recommendations they take seriously to date.